Cleaning Vinegar vs. White Vinegar—When to Use Each One

Jolie Kerr
·4 min read
1

While similar, cleaning vinegar is a more powerful cleaning agent than distilled white vinegar.

What's the difference between cleaning vinegar vs. white vinegar? And when should you use which one?

White vinegar is a cleaning staple used for various jobs, from general bathroom cleaning to disinfecting yoga mats. White vinegar is inexpensive, non-toxic, and readily available, making it a popular choice for many households.

However, not all white vinegar is created equal: Distilled white vinegar is one type of vinegar that can be used for cleaning, but there is a more potent form called "cleaning vinegar," and it can be confusing to know which to choose.

Ahead, you'll learn the difference between cleaning vinegar and white vinegar that's food-grade and distilled, and how this natural cleaning agent can be safely used in the home.

Blaine Moats
Blaine Moats

The Difference Between Cleaning Vinegar vs. White Vinegar

To put it plainly, the difference between distilled white vinegar, often simply called white vinegar, and cleaning vinegar is in its potency. They are chemically the same but with different concentrations. White vinegar typically has a concentration of 5%, meaning that it contains 5% acetic acid and 95% water (some distilled white vinegar formulas have an even lower concentration of 4%). Cleaning vinegar has a concentration of 6%, meaning it contains 6% acetic acid and 94% water. While a 1% difference may not sound significant, it is: Cleaning vinegar is 20% more powerful than distilled white vinegar.

The two products are also processed differently, and, most critically, cleaning vinegar is not approved or intended for human consumption. Because of that, cleaning vinegar does not need to meet the same food-quality standards as distilled white vinegar. Therefore, it contains impurities and a high level of acidity that make it unsafe for consumption. Consuming cleaning vinegar can cause intestinal and/or esophageal distress.



Warning

Cleaning vinegar is not approved or intended for consumption.



Using and Storing Cleaning Vinegar

Cleaning vinegar, with its higher concentration of acetic acid, can power through soap scum, scale, and eliminate bacteria associated with malodor in laundry, to name just a few uses. It can also be used for cleaning jobs that call for white vinegar. But the way in which it's used is slightly different because it is stronger, so less of it is needed to achieve the same level of clean.

Owing to its concentration, using cleaning vinegar vs. white vinegar can save money: Less of it is needed to create a vinegar solution for cleaning. Additionally, while 6% is the most common type of cleaning vinegar on the market, higher concentrations are available.

When working with cleaning vinegar, especially those with a concentration higher than 6%, it is important to take safety precautions when handling. Rubber household gloves are recommended, and working in a well-ventilated space is advised.

As with any cleaning agent, safety must be considered when storing cleaning vinegar. It should be stored in a cool, dry space with good ventilation, away from heat sources or anything potentially flammable. In homes with children, seniors, impaired adults, or pets, cleaning supplies should be kept out of reach, ideally behind closed and/or locked doors.

Finally, it is recommended that cleaning vinegar not be stored in the kitchen to avoid mistaking it for food-grade vinegar when cooking.

Related: The 10 Best Pet-Safe Cleaning Products of 2024

When to Avoid the Use of Cleaning Vinegar

While distilled white vinegar can be used for cleaning, cleaning vinegar cannot be used in food preparation and should not be consumed in any way.

While vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent, there are some common household items and materials that can be damaged when exposed to it. In addition, when mixed with other cleaning agents, notably chlorine bleach, the acid in vinegar can create toxic chemical reactions. Never mix cleaning vinegar, nor vinegars of any kind, with chlorine bleach.

Some of the materials and household items that should not be cleaned with vinegar include:

  • Marble, granite, and other natural stones

  • Grout

  • Cast iron

  • Stainless steel

  • Waxed or unfinished wood

  • Rubber gaskets and hoses

  • Electronics

  • Clothing irons

  • Pet messes

Cleaning Checklists and Products We Love

Stay ahead of dirt and grime with our whole-house cleaning schedule, which you can break up into a few chores per day. Choose the process that works best for your home management style, and use your favorite cleaning products and tools, whether homemade or store-bought, to get the job done. Some of our favorite cleaning tools include microfiber cloths, a lightweight and portable stick vacuum, a mild dish soap, a telescoping duster, and good sponges. Doing a bit of cleaning each day will make big clean-ups easier and less time-consuming. Start developing a new cleaning routine, and you'll have less work to do in the long run.

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